How to prepare for work experience

Research the organisation

When you know something about the company – what it does, what its aims and values are – it will help everything fall into place more easily during your work experience. It will also help you think of useful questions to ask the people working there. And preparing for work experience in this way will make a great first impression with your employer!

Talk to your employer beforehand

Do you have a contact at the company? You can ask them about anything specific you should bring, dress code, confirmation of starting date and time, and anything else that will help you feel prepared and relaxed during your work experience.

Travel

Do you know how to get there and where to go, and how long the journey will take?

Lunch

Do you know what the arrangements are for lunch, and if you are expected to bring your own?

If the employer is providing lunch, are they aware of any dietary requirements you may have?

Packing essentials

Have you packed everything you need, including something to write with and help you take notes? You can check with your employer or the person arranging your work experience if there is anything specialised you might need.

If you are bringing a phone, is it fully charged in case of emergencies? Have you switched it to silent to avoid distractions during your work experience?

Clothing

Have you prepared what to wear? If you are not sure, ask the person arranging the work experience. If in doubt, formal wear for any work experience in an office is usually a safe option to help you look and feel professional. If you are attending a different workplace – perhaps outdoors – check with your contact about suitable clothing in terms of practical issues like weather, health and safety.

When you dress like the people around you in the workplace, it will help you feel at ease.

Knowledge is power

Have you read through any instructions, documents and letters/emails to make sure you understand what will happen during the work experience and what might be expected of you?

If you have any questions, have you shared them with the person arranging the work experience?

Create your own checklist

You can create a to-do list of things you can do in advance to help you feel confident and prepared. If you’ve forgotten something important or left it all to the last minute, it could affect your mood on the day.